Wild Arms Series Gets Gameplay Overhaul

The Wild Arms series is an acquired taste–some RPG fans love it, others could never quite get into it–but at least it stayed relatively consistent…until now. The latest entry in the franchise, Wild Arms XF (Crossfire) will abandon the usual turn-based RPG format and adopt a tactical grid-based gameplay instead. Well, it worked for Final Fantasy, so why the heck not?

XF, which will be released for the PSP in Japan some time this summer, will follow the usual tactical battle route, with opposing factions taking turns maneuvering their soldiers around an isometrically-viewed grid. Different terrains will have different battle-affecting characteristics, like slowing movement or increasing accuracy. If you’ve ever played a tactical RPG before, you pretty much know what to expect.

XF will also connect to Wild Arms 5 on the PS2. This unlocks six new bosses in Wild Arms 5, and better loot and special events in XF, which is certainly nifty if you already happen to have Wild Arms 5, but doesn’t sound like an omgIgottahaveit kind of thing. XF will continue the series’ odd mix of western (as in cowboys) themed anime flavor, but will throw in some voice acting just for kicks.